Finishing Hardwood Flooring - Surface Wood Floor Wood Floor Finishes

Surface wood floor finishes are easy to apply. These include urethane,polyurethane, aluminum oxide wood floor finishes, epoxy, wax, varnish, lacquer, and shellac.

POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane wood floor finishes are highly resistant to moisture, stains, spills, and wear and tear. They are the most popular wood floor finishes. These can be used as a high gloss or matte finish, and are either moisture cured or oil modified.

URETHANE

Urethane wood floor finishes come in two forms: Swedish finish (or acid cure) and water-based. Swedish or acid cure urethane has a strong odor and should be used by experienced and skilled professionals. Water-based urethane dries quickly without the levels of odor associated with its oil-based counterparts.

ALUMINUM OXIDE

Latest in wood floor finishes, aluminum oxide offers durability and a long lasting finish. The finish can carry a 20 year warranty, if done on prefinished floors. For warranty information, always refer to your retailer or hardwood flooring sales rep. Find out which factors (if any) may affect the status of your warranty.

EPOXY Made of polymers, epoxy sealant is a strong and durable flooring finish. But a skilled professional must be hired to apply this finish as it depends on proper mixing and application for best results.

WAX

Wax is the oldest and easiest application for a wood floor finish. It gives your hardwood flooring a beautiful shine and a protective film that prevents dirt getting into your floors.

VARNISH

Varnish is now a very common floor finish. It is available in both matte and glossy wood floor finishes but gets scratched easily in high traffic areas, showing wear.

SHELLAC and LACQUER

Shellac is an alcohol-soluble resin derived from lac, a substance secreted by insects found mostly in India. Lacquer is a synthetic coating made by cellulose derivatives. Shellac and lacquer wood floor wood floor finishes dry very quickly but are not as resistant to moisture or spills and daily wear as other finish types. Due to these drawbacks these finish types are not preferred.